Dorothy Irene SAMPSON

Dorothy was predeceased by her mother, Melba Isabel Wheeler Gottselig, and her father, Adolph Joseph Gottselig.  She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Lorne Guy Sampson; children Lisa (Todd) Cipperley, Greg (Nadine) Sampson; grandchildren, Haley, Skyler and Miranda; sisters, Katherine Anne Butler and Vivian (Gordon) Johnson; nieces, Dena Christine DeMarce, JoAnne Nicole Johnson, Dawn Katherine Butler; nephew, Daryl Arthur Butler; and her two dogs, Jawz and Cactus.

Dorothy grew up in Bowness, Alberta where she developed a passion for friendships, family, birding, hiking, riding horses and caring for many pets.  She loved animals and always had more than one cat and dog. 

Dorothy met her husband, Lorne Sampson, when they were both working as lifeguards at the “Happy Valley Pool” (now Valley Ridge subdivision in Calgary). They made such a handsome couple that they were chosen to be models on the postcards advertising ‘Happy Valley Pool and Recreation Area’.

Dorothy and Lorne raised their family on an acreage in Millarville where they all enjoyed horses, dogs, cats, pigs, goats, cattle, chickens, turkeys and a duck.  Many friends enjoyed her company as they rode their horses on the property at their Millarville home. 

Summers were spent at the family cabin on Shuswap Lake, in British Columbia.  Many memories were made swimming, water-skiing, exploring, singing at campfires, playing her Autoharp, and laughing with friends and family.

Dorothy was an accomplished athlete and was a weekly hostess on the buses taking skiers to Lake Louise.  She and her husband Lorne helped skiers new to the hill to "find their way".  Dorothy and Lorne taught their two children to downhill ski.

She is remembered for her love of people and good fun.  She loved to laugh!  Dorothy lived to hear people laugh and was a magnet for those who enjoyed laughing with her.  Dorothy had a smile that would light up the room.  She had an amazing sense of humour and entertained people constantly with her wit and humour – she could laugh at herself.

After they moved to Vancouver Island she become a line dancer and an avid golfer – getting a hole in one!  She welcomed company and loved to show them her beloved island.  Dorothy was not only a lover of nature and a joyful person, she was a caring wife, loving mother, fantastic listener, and a faithful best friend to many.

Dorothy will be sadly missed and remembered forever by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to:

In Calgary:

Calgary Humane Society

4455 110 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2C 2T7

(403) 205-4455  www.calgaryhumane.ca/

In Courtenay:

BC SPCA: BC SPCA Comox Valley & District Branch

1668 Ryan Road, Comox, BC V9M 3Z8

(250) 339-7722  www.spca.bc.ca/branches/comox-valley